TACOMA — For years, 20-something Christians have said they want churches that offer genuine relationships and community.

Not anymore.

“Being into community is so last year,” says Jessica Holstead, 27, who recently pared back her social schedule so she could pursue God “unencumbered.”

“There’s something to be said for not being immersed in a community 24/7,” says 25-year-old Timothy Grecco.

He says other people were “getting in the way of my growth in Christ,” and he “didn’t want to be warped by the social gravity” of his friends, even Christian friends.

With community falling out of fashion, the younger generation is now seeking “radical aloneness,” taking solo road trips, studying the Bible by themselves and pruning back their social obligations. They point to the examples of Jesus and Paul, who spent significant time alone, and of Elijah, who spent two years in the desert with no human contact.

Holstead is now seeking a church that appreciates “aloneness” and doesn’t push her into a community where constant relationship maintenance is required.

The shift has frustrated pastors like Frank Benson, 46, senior pastor at Faith Community Church in Santa Clara, Calif., which had just reformatted all its ministries to be more community-oriented and relational to reach the younger generation.

“When we did big elaborate services, they criticized us for being too showy. So we tried to be authentic, and now this,” he says. “I wish this generation would get alone and decide what it wants.” •